Pauline Hadley lives in Dudley. She has spent most of her adult life working as an artist and draughtswoman, writing fiction in her spare time.  | | Author Pauline Hadley |
She had always planned to write books and illustrate them herself. Now her first novel has just been released in the Black Country. Ankhspell is a fantasy adventure story with spiritual overtones written for older children and adults. It tells the tale of Syke, a 14 year old English girl, and Sol, a young Canadian shaman, both of whom have connections to the ancient Egyptian gods. The two are plunged into a mystical dimension called 'The Underworld' where they encounter weird aliens, mischievous spirits and bad-tempered trees.  | | The sacred place of the ancestors |
"The story of Ankhspell came after years of studying the Ancient Egyptians, Native Americans and Canadian peoples’ spiritual beliefs," says Pauline. "I've also always had an interest in the supernatural and paranormal phenomena. Ankhspell combines all of these ideas in a way that I think hasn't been done before." The novel also explores the ideas that human beings originate from outer-space, as well as astral travel. "The idea that we - as in human beings - came from outer-space is not a new one," explains Pauline. "For so many native peoples all over the world it is one of their key beliefs.  | | The ladyrinth of Anubis |
"Similarly, the idea of astral travel - that gifted psychics can move their essence and energy to another location whilst in a dream or meditative state - is fascinating. The idea has been explored very seriously by scientists studying remote viewing and telepathy." For the main characters of Ankhspell though, all of these themes construct an exciting adventure story where nothing is what it seems and death is not the end. Pauline herself drew all of the colourful pictures that accompany the text, some of which are displayed here. "I've loved writing Ankhspell and doing all the pictures and really hope that it will be able to stretch the imagination of the reader," smiles Pauline.  | | Nephthys - sister of Isis |
"I've aimed it for slightly older children but hopefully adults will love it too. "Ultimately, despite some of the fantastical themes, the story is meant to show the connections between us all, and the need for us to show respect for the cultures and spiritual beliefs of native people from all over the globe." At present, Ankhspell is only available from selected bookshops in the Black Country: Beatties - Victoria Street, Wolverhampton. The Old Book Shop - Bath Avenue, Wolverhampton. Books Unlimited – Lower High St, Stourbridge. | 
